UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS |
Ocean Originals ARTIST WYLAND MAKES WAVES AS A DEDICATED MARINE CONSERVATIONIST .
By TANYA A . YACINA
W yland ’ s name is equally synonymous with art and marine conservation , positioning him as the quintessential Laguna Beach resident . After visiting the beach town with his family in the early 1970s , he moved here and opened his first studio gallery in 1978 . “ I ’ ve often said that Laguna Beach is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Southern California , it ’ s one of the most beautiful places anywhere , and the habitats offshore are equally vibrant and amazing ,” Wyland notes . After arriving in town , he quickly realized he was exactly where he was supposed to be . The artist colony — home to the Sawdust Art Festival , where Wyland showed his work for six summers — also happens to be deeply connected to its offshore waters ,
Wyland promoting his campaign for water conservation
which are now a Marine Protected Area .
“ My connection to Laguna Beach is deeply rooted in my passion for marine conservation . I ’ ve always been attracted to its rich marine life and community spirit ,” Wyland explains . “ I had one of my formative experiences here , having seen a whale for the first time on a family vacation . … Later , after leaving art school at the [ College ] for Creative Studies in Detroit , … I spent years as a young artist selling my art at the Sawdust festival and got to know so many people here — many of them , like Tom Klingenmeier , who I remain friends with to this day .”
Wyland says his art is not only a reflection of Laguna Beach ’ s commitment to the environment , but also a bridge to sharing that level of commitment to marine
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conservation with millions of people around the world : Over a 40-year period , he has painted more than 100 whaling walls in more than 13 countries to further bring awareness to ocean health . In addition to his paintings and sculptures , he has created artistic gifts like jewelry and home decor , released numerous marine-themed books and founded a nonprofit , the Wyland Foundation , in 1993 to continue to inspire people to take action through art , science and conservation . The artist has also taken on some unique projects , like designing the hull of the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship plus surfboards for the U . S . Olympic surf team .
Wyland says there are many ways that people can change the trajectory of the planet ’ s waterways . Individuals , communities and organizations can all contribute by educating themselves , reducing plastic consumption , participating in local cleanups , supporting sustainable fisheries and funding conservation projects .
Even something as simple as creating art can have a big impact . “ Art has the power to evoke emotions and inspire change . That ’ s part of everything I do as an artist and everything the Wyland Foundation does as a community service organization ,” he explains . “ In fact , our newest program , Streams of Hope , incorporates that sensibility , but takes it to another level by bringing in a heightened commitment to community action . I also think art can raise public awareness in a way that other mediums can ’ t , and [ can help ] foster a deeper understanding and appreciation [ for nature ].”
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THIS SPREAD : COURTESY OF WYLAND FOUNDATION |